Stani Army

The Pakistan coach driver who saved the Sri Lankan team when they came under attack in Lahore has today been honoured by the Sri Lankans in Colombo. Meher Mohammad Khalil and his family were given a reward of $21,800 and a sponsored holiday.

Only Khalil and the Sri Lankan players can really appreciate what happened that day and this reward is a recognition of the heroism the driver displayed. The front of a coach is designed for clear visibility meaning Khalil was just a sitting duck at the mercy of the terrorists with nothing in front of him but a large windscreen. Yet, without fear, he sat up and drove the coach to safety, risking his own life.

As everyone else seemed to do, media and other nations included, it would have been easy for the Sri Lankans to part blame onto Pakistan and its people as a whole.Yet in honouring the Pakistani driver, this is clearly a Testament to the wonderful Sri Lankan people. Though the terrorists and many others would love to drive a wedge between the relationship these two nations enjoy, it is heartening to see that it goes on stronger than ever.

“All of us were taken aback. I did not stop and kept moving. I did it for Pakistan,”
“I did it for Sri Lanka, who were our guests. By God’s help I did not feel scared at all and never thought of jumping out of the bus to save myself.” - Mohammad Khalil

“We are here to thank one unarmed man for his courage, selflessness and quick thinking that enabled many of us to see another day,”
“We will always have a special place for you [Khalil] in our hearts.” - Kumar Sangakkara

“Khalil, you are our hero. We will always remember you with gratitude. Let’s hope we are not put in that situation again,” - Mahela Jayawardene

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